RSPCA witnesses an alarming increase in reports of neglect

Morticia, a cat under the care of the RSPCA, is currently awaiting adoption along with her kittens.

The RSPCA has disclosed alarming statistics revealing a sharp rise in animal neglect incidents. From January to the end of October, the charitys emergency hotline in England and Wales received 73,294 neglect reports, marking a 30% increase compared to the same period last year.

"Times are extremely difficult, and sadly, it is innocent animals who bear the worst consequences," stated RSPCA superintendent Simon Osborne.

In the West Midlands, the charity shared specific examples, including Morticia and her four kittens, who were abandoned in a carrier bag and brought to a veterinary practice. Morticia is now ready to be rehomed in Worcestershire, where neglect reports have risen by 16%, totaling 718 so far this year, compared to 618 in 2024.

Shropshire saw 533 reports of neglected animals in the first ten months of the year, a 17% increase from 456 last year. Staffordshire reported 1,306 cases between January and October, up 21% from 1,080 during the same timeframe in 2024.

Dog Marnie, rescued by inspectors and currently in the care of the RSPCA Coventry branch, is also seeking a new home. Across the country, the charity is assisting around 70 animals daily in finding permanent homes.

"Animals are enduring severe neglect, often left hungry and untreated behind closed doors," Mr Osborne added.

For the West Midlands conurbation, the total neglect reports reached 2,793 by the end of October, a 12% increase from 2,493 in 2024.

"This heartbreaking rise in neglect cases has already broken our records, and we are deeply concerned about the upcoming winter months," Mr Osborne said. "Each statistic represents a real animal in urgent need of help and care."

Author: Ethan Caldwell